Dishwasher tine extender

ABSTRACT

There is provided in one embodiment of the device a removable, adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, the extender comprising an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine, and wherein the elongated tube is adjustable in height via an adjusting means. In another embodiment of the device there is provided a removable dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, the extender comprising an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine. The embodiments of the dishwasher tine extender protect and support a variety of dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware.

Embodiments of a dishwasher tine extender for an automatic dishwasher are provided. More particularly, an adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender and a fixed height dishwasher tine extender for protecting and supporting a variety of dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware within an automatic dishwasher are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic dishwashers, particularly those designed for home use, accomplish the washing and rinsing of dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, stemware, and the like, by spraying pressurized streams of water mixed with a detergent over the dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware. Such streams of water are often powerful, so as to forcefully spray dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware to dislodge encrusted food and beverage particles. However, the powerful water pressure can upset light items, such as crystal glassware or plasticware, and especially items with a high center of gravity, like stemware, where a large portion of the weight of the item may be in its base and its stem rather than in the liquid retaining bowl. Thus, these items may get dislodged from the dishwasher rack and may break. Ordinary glassware may be broken by collision, causing inconvenience to the user. Moreover, when fine china or crystal is subjected to pressurized water, often irreplaceable dishware of greater personal value may be ruined. In addition, if stemware or glassware is lying on its side, the cup of the stemware or glassware may collect a pool of dirty dishwasher water that would then require that the stemware be hand washed. These occurrences decrease the utility of the dishwasher.

Dishware and stemware protectors for automatic dishwashers are known. Such known dishware and stemware protectors include a separating device with longitudinal slots and perforated web sheets, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,799. However, this separating device is limited in where it can be positioned and attached to the dishwasher rack due to its size and shape. In addition, a known dishwasher rack clip for mounting in a dishwasher rack to hold objects to be washed is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,225. However, this known clip is not designed to attach over a dishwasher tine to extend the dishwasher tine. In addition, a known dishwasher accessory for securing and supporting stemware in a dishwasher rack is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,285. However, this known accessory has an elongated member that is not designed to protect and support plateware, dishware or plasticware due to its fixed horizontal position. Thus, known dishware and stemware protector devices have not proven practical in application or are widely adaptable to different shapes of dishware and designs of dishwasher racks.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new and improved dishwasher tine extender that does not have the problems associated with known dishware and stemware protector devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The need for a new and improved dishwasher tine extender is satisfied. None of the known devices provide all of the numerous advantages discussed herein. Embodiments of the improved dishwasher tine extender may provide one or more of the following advantages: it is simple and economical to manufacture, use and maintain; it is durable and provides a long service life; in an embodiment it is easily attached to and removed from a standard dishwasher tine; it provides for the use of a variety of interchangeable dishwasher tine extender designs, such as adjustable-height, hinged, flexible, rigid, flexible double-sided, center mounted, side grip, side cap, suction cup ended, and other designs; it holds dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware securely in an upright position; it is securely mounted on a dishwasher tine to provide stability and lateral support for dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware; it is quick and easy to install; it prevents or minimizes stemware and glassware from tipping, cracking, and breaking, or ending up on their side full of dirty dishwasher water; it occupies minimal space inside a dishwasher; in an embodiment it is removable from the dishwasher when not in use; it provides in an embodiment a one piece, unitary design; it provides in an embodiment a stemware grip portion for added securement to stemware; and in an embodiment it may be easily stored within an automatic dishwasher or removable from the automatic dishwasher when not in use. Thus, it is the object of the invention to provide a new device which has many of the advantages of prior art devices and many novel features which result in a new device that is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art devices, either alone or in any combination.

In one embodiment of the device there is provided a removable, adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, the extender comprising: an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine, and wherein the elongated tube is adjustable in height via an adjusting means.

In another embodiment of the device there is provided a removable dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, the extender comprising: an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine.

In another embodiment of the device there is provided a fixed, adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, the extender comprising: an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely and fixedly mounted on the dishwasher tine, and wherein the elongated tube is adjustable in height via an adjusting means.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from the following description and appended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments or versions of the present invention are shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an open automatic dishwasher showing an embodiment of dishwasher tine extenders attached to tines of a dishwasher rack;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective close-up view showing an embodiment of dishwasher tine extenders attached to tines of a dishwasher rack;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher rack;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a rigid dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher rack;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible double-sided dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to tines of a dishwasher rack;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a center mount dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher rack;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a side grip dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher rack;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a side cap dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher rack;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender of FIG. 9 with a first portion in a semi-extended stage;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender of FIG. 9 with a first portion in a fully extended stage;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a hinged dishwasher tine extender attached to a tine of a dishwasher;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable-height hinged dishwasher tine extender of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the hinged dishwasher tine extender of FIG. 13 with a stemware grip portion;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 with the stemware grip portion gripping a stemware;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 with the stemware grip portion hinged downwardly;

FIG. 18 is a front view of an embodiment of a stemware grip portion;

FIG. 19 is a front view of another embodiment of a stemware grip portion;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwasher tine extender with a suction cup end portion;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the dishwasher tine of FIG. 20 with the suction cup end portion attached to a stemware base;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the dishwasher tine of FIG. 20 with the suction cup end portion attached to a glassware portion;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher tine extender with multiple suction cup end portions; and,

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an embodiment a dishwasher tine extender with a flexible sheet connected between multiple elongated, hollow tubes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a unique, novel, and nonobvious dishwasher tine extender. In one embodiment, a dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack is provided. Preferably, the rack has a plurality of upstanding tines. With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an open automatic dishwasher 10 showing an embodiment of dishwasher tine extenders 12 attached to tines 14 of a dishwasher rack 16. Plates 18 are held in place by the dishwasher tine extenders 12. FIG. 2 is a front perspective close-up view showing an embodiment of dishwasher tine extenders 12 of FIG. 1 attached to tines 14 of a dishwasher rack 16. The dishwasher tine extender 12 comprises an elongated, hollow tube 20 with a first end 22 and a second end 24. Preferably, the tube is formed of an elastomeric material, vinyl, rubber, nylon, plastic, or coated metal. However, the tube may also be made of other suitable materials. The first end 22 has a securement means 26 adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine. Preferably, the securement means may comprise a suction type securement, an adhesive type securement, a snap fit type securement, a fitted bore type securement, or other suitable type securement means. Preferably, the dishwasher tine extender is removable from and attachable to the dishwasher tine. Preferably, the objects comprise dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware. In one design of this embodiment, the elongated, hollow tube is rigid and securely mounted on the dishwasher tine in an upright position. Preferably, the tube in this embodiment is of a unitary, continuous configuration. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a rigid dishwasher tine extender 28 of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher rack. In another design of this embodiment, the elongated, hollow tube is flexible and securely mounted on the dishwasher tine. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible dishwasher tine extender 30 of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher rack. The flexible dishwasher tine extender is preferably mounted onto the tine in an upright position and may be bent to the shape of various dishware or glassware to securely hold and support the dishware or glassware. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible double-sided dishwasher tine extender 32 of the invention attached to two tines 14 of a dishwasher rack. In this design, an elongated, hollow tube 34 is flexible, and has both a first end 36 having a first securement means 38 and a second end 40 having a second securement means 42, such that both the first end and the second end are adapted to receive a dishwasher tine 14. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a center mount dishwasher tine extender 44 of the invention attached to a tine 14 of a dishwasher rack. In this design, an elongated, hollow tube 46 has a center mounting portion 48 with a securement means 50 for securely mounting the extender to the dishwasher tine. Preferably, the center mounting portion is pressure fitted onto the dishwasher tine and the securement means comprises graduated ridges and/or a flexible interior wall within the hollow tube. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a side grip dishwasher tine extender 52 of the invention attached to a tine 14 of a dishwasher rack. In this design, the securement means comprises a side gripping means 54 attached to a side 56 of the first end 58 of the tube. The side gripping means may be in the form of a clamp, clip, hook, or latch. However, the side gripping means may also be in other suitable forms. FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a side cap dishwasher tine extender 60 of the invention attached to a tine of a dishwasher rack. In this design, the securement means comprises a side cap attachment means 62 attached to a side 64 of a first end 66 of the tube.

Another embodiment of the dishwasher tine extender is shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender 68 of the invention attached to a tine 14 of a dishwasher. In this embodiment, a removable, adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack is provided where the rack has a plurality of upstanding tines. The extender comprises an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine, and wherein the elongated tube is adjustable in height via an adjusting means. In the design of this embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, the elongated, hollow tube is height adjustable and comprises a first screw portion 70 and a second internally threaded portion 72. The second threaded portion 72 can be extended from the first screw portion 70 by twisting the second portion 72 away from the first portion 70. The height may be adjusted by rotating the first internally threaded portion away from the second screw portion. In an alternate design, the first portion may have resistance ridges and the second portion may be extended from the first portion by applying pressure on or to the resistance ridges and extending the second portion. FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender 68 of FIG. 9 with the first portion 70 in a semi-extended stage. FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender 68 of FIG. 9 with the first portion 70 in a fully extended stage. FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender 74 of the invention attached to a tine 14 of a dishwasher. In this design, the elongated, hollow tube is of an adjustable-height and comprises a first portion 76 that can is attachable to and detachable from a second portion 78 via an attachment element 80. Preferably, the attachment element comprises twist lock portions or a twist lock assembly. Preferably, the first portion has a series of openings 81 for receiving the attachment means to attach the second portion to the first portion. The attachment element may further comprise clamp lock portions or spring lock portions.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwasher tine extender 82 with a gripping means 84 for gripping a portion of the object. The gripping means 84 is attached to a first end 86 of hollow tube 88. A second end 90 has securement means 92. Preferably, the gripping means is a suction cup end portion. FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the dishwasher tine of FIG. 20 with the gripping means 84 in the form of a suction cup end portion attached to a base 94 of a stemware 96. FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the dishwasher tine of FIG. 20 with the gripping means 84 in the form of a suction cup end portion attached to a side 98 of a glassware 100. FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher tine extender 102 having multiple gripping means 84. Preferably, the gripping means comprises a plurality of suction cups. Preferably, the gripping means secures the stemware, glassware, or dishware in a preferred cleaning orientation and is designed for detachable engagement with the stemware, glassware or dishware.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 13 which is a front view of an embodiment of a hinged dishwasher tine extender 104 attached to a tine 14 of a dishwasher. This embodiment provides for a dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, where the extender comprises an elongated hinged tube 106 with a first end 108 having a securement means 110, a second end 112, and hinged portion 114. In this design, the hinged tube may be height adjustable. Preferably, the elongated tube is hinged in positions comprising vertical, horizontal, and angled. That is, the hinged tube has multiple functions and maintains at least three positions—a vertical position for supporting and holding objects such as glassware, a horizontal position for supporting and holding objects such as stemware, and an angled position for supporting and holding objects such as plasticware. The securement means of the first end is adapted to receive a dishwasher tine 14, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine. Preferably, the objects comprise any one of the group of dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware. FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable-height hinged dishwasher tine extender 116 of the invention attached to a tine 14 of a dishwasher. This design has a height adjustable element 118 for adjusting the height of the tine extender. FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a hinged dishwasher tine extender 104 of FIG. 13 a stemware grip portion 120 formed in the second end 112 for gripping a stem of a stemware. Preferably, the second end of the hinged tube has a stemware grip portion to secure and hold the stem of a stemware. FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 with the stemware grip portion 120 gripping a stem 122 of a stemware 124. FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 with the stemware grip portion 120 hinged downwardly against a dishware 126. FIG. 18 is a front view of an embodiment of a stemware grip portion 128. FIG. 19 is a front view of another embodiment of a stemware grip portion 120 as shown in FIGS. 15-17.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 24, which is a front perspective view of an embodiment a dishwasher tine extender assembly 130 with a flexible sheet 132 connected between multiple elongated, hollow tubes 134. This embodiment provides for either a removable, adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender with additional elongated tubes and a flexible sheet connected between the elongated tubes, or a removable fixed height dishwasher tine extender with additional elongated tubes and a flexible sheet connected between the elongated tubes. This embodiment provides for a dishwasher tine extender assembly for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, where the extender comprises multiple, elongated, hollow tubes where each tube has a first end 136 and a second end 138. The first end has a securement means 140 adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine. Preferably, the flexible sheet comprises a plastic netting material. This embodiment provides for a flexible and customizable wall to protect and support non-linear dishware when the dishwasher tine extender is mounted vertically onto the dishwasher tine. Preferably, each end of the elongated, hollow tubes 134 has an entry or opening that allows for a double-sided securement of the tube to two dishwasher tines, and that allows the flexible sheet to be used in a horizontal position. Preferably, the objects comprise any one of the group of dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware. The assembly acts to support in an upright position stemware and glassware with the bowl facing down into the flow of the stream of water and detergent typically directed upwardly from the water distribution means present in the automatic dishwasher.

In another embodiment, there is provided a fixed, adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines similar to the extender shown in FIG. 9 and other Figures. The extender of this embodiment comprises an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely and fixedly mounted on the dishwasher tine, and wherein the elongated tube is adjustable in height via an adjusting means. However, the extender of this embodiment is preferably retrofitted to existing dishwasher tines within the automatic dishwasher via an epoxy or secure gripping means or may be produced by an automatic dishwasher manufacturer as a new dishwasher rack with adjustable-height tines. The adjusting means of the extender may comprise thread and screw portions, resistance ridges such as in FIG. 9, twist lock portions such as in FIG. 12, clamp lock portions (not shown), or spring lock portions (not shown).

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions of the invention are possible. In compliance with the statute, the invention described herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein or to specific features shown, since the means and construction shown, is comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. It is also understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 

1. A removable, adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, the extender comprising: an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine, and wherein the elongated tube is adjustable in height via an adjusting means.
 2. The extender of claim 1 wherein the objects comprise any one of the group of dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware.
 3. The extender of claim 1 wherein the elongated tube is rigid and securely mounted on the dishwasher tine in an upright position.
 4. The extender of claim 1 wherein the elongated tube is flexible and securely mounted on the dishwasher tine.
 5. The extender of claim 1 wherein the elongated tube is flexible, and wherein the second end has a securement means, such that the second end is adapted to receive a dishwasher tine.
 6. The extender of claim 1 wherein the elongated tube has a center mounting portion for securely mounting the extender to the dishwasher tine.
 7. The extender of claim 1 wherein the securement means comprises a side gripping means attached to a side of the first end of the tube.
 8. The extender of claim 1 wherein the securement means comprises a side cap attachment means attached to a side of the first end of the tube.
 9. The extender of claim 1 wherein the adjusting means comprises any one of the group of thread and screw portions, resistance ridges, twist lock portions, clamp lock portions, and spring lock portions.
 10. The extender of claim 1 wherein the second end has a gripping means for gripping a portion of the object.
 11. The extender of claim 10 wherein the gripping means is a suction cup.
 12. The extender of claim 10 wherein the gripping means is a plurality of suction cups.
 13. The extender of claim 1 wherein the elongated tube is hinged in positions comprising vertical, horizontal, and angled.
 14. The extender of claim 1 wherein the elongated tube is hinged in positions comprising vertical, horizontal, and angled, and the second end has a stemware grip portion.
 15. The extender of claim 1 further comprising additional elongated tubes and a flexible sheet connected between the elongated tubes.
 16. A removable dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, the extender comprising: an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely mounted on the dishwasher tine.
 17. The extender of claim 16 wherein the objects comprise any one of the group of dishware, glassware, servingware, plasticware, and stemware.
 18. The extender of claim 16 wherein the elongated tube is rigid and securely mounted on the dishwasher tine in an upright position.
 19. The extender of claim 16 wherein the elongated tube is flexible and securely mounted on the dishwasher tine.
 20. The extender of claim 16 wherein the elongated tube is flexible, and wherein the second end has a securement means, such that the second end is adapted to receive a dishwasher tine.
 21. The extender of claim 16 wherein the elongated tube has a center mounting portion for securely mounting the extender to the dishwasher tine.
 22. The extender of claim 16 wherein the securement means comprises a side gripping means attached to a side of the first end of the tube.
 23. The extender of claim 16 wherein the securement means comprises a side cap attachment means attached to a side of the first end of the tube.
 24. The extender of claim 16 wherein the adjusting means comprises any one of the group of thread and screw portions, resistance ridges, twist lock portions, clamp lock portions, and spring lock portions.
 25. The extender of claim 16 wherein the second end has a gripping means for gripping a portion of the object.
 26. The extender of claim 25 wherein the gripping means is a suction cup.
 27. The extender of claim 25 wherein the gripping means is a plurality of suction cups.
 28. The extender of claim 16 wherein the elongated tube is hinged in positions comprising vertical, horizontal, and angled.
 29. The extender of claim 16 wherein the elongated tube is hinged in positions comprising vertical, horizontal, and angled, and the second end has a stemware grip portion.
 30. The extender of claim 16 further comprising additional elongated tubes and a flexible sheet connected between the elongated tubes.
 31. A fixed, adjustable-height dishwasher tine extender for holding objects in an automatic dishwasher rack, the rack having a plurality of upstanding tines, the extender comprising: an elongated tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a securement means adapted to receive a dishwasher tine, so that the extender is securely and fixedly mounted on the dishwasher tine, and wherein the elongated tube is adjustable in height via an adjusting means.
 32. The extender of claim 31 wherein the adjusting means comprises any one of the group of thread and screw portions, resistance ridges, twist lock portions, clamp lock portions, and spring lock portions. 